Since when was the BBC afraid of legal threats? Is this not a massive hint that there is a big story lurking somewhere? Isn’t the BBC eager to be the first, with the expose? Is it not eager to get to the bottom of the truth?
Mariam Mokhtar, Malaysian Mirror
The “HARDtalk” news programme, broadcast on BBC World News and the BBC News channel, is a half-hour interview when world renowned personalities are asked difficult questions, to discover their true stories and challenges.
Malaysia’s Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) was scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday, 1st September 2010. According to the MalaysiaToday site, Bridget Osborne from the BBC called to inform him that his interview had been cancelled.
HARDtalk appears to have failed its loyal viewers but it has failed to uphold the freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
According to Ms. Osborne, the BBC’s lawyers advised them not to proceed with the program as this would “upset the Malaysian government and may even expose the BBC to legal action”.
She explained that the questions they would pose to Raja Petra, “would be very sensitive in nature and critical of the government, would run foul of the Malaysian government”.
Another reason she offered was that “the program would be accessible in Malaysia”, and “makes this a problem for the BBC.”
Naturally, Malaysians the world over, are disappointed.
Raja Petra may be pleased to learn that the BBC rarely drops a program. However, the BBC’s about-turn means he is considered a liability. This gives him “street cred”.
Raja Petra would have been a viewer-catching asset and boosted viewer/listener numbers. But it appears that he is now a political liability.
But what exactly are the real reasons why the BBC dropped out? It beggars belief that an established and world renowned organisation such as the ‘Beeb’, can be held to ransom by the Malaysia government.
Such irony! Raja Petra was probably going to mention the lack of freedom of expression in Malaysia.
Who would have thought that the stranglehold of the Malaysian government could reach thousands of miles away and silence Raja Petra?
This is indeed a sad day for civil liberties and freedom of speech. The fact that the BBC allowed itself to be manipulated means that it has failed itself, and its viewers. It has compromised its principles and integrity.
But who or what ordered this climbdown?
Most people are aware that Raja Petra is fond of running rings round the Malaysian government.
In a Malaysia which is beset by draconian laws and where is freedom of expression is lacking, Raja Petra’s site brings many Malaysians light relief.
He is both entertaining and a bit like a “cyber vigilante”. He is not unlike the Super-hero in cyberspace who exposes evil deeds.
Thus, if Raja Petra was expected to be critical of the Malaysian government, then would it not be judicious to have a representative of the Malaysian government present, to counter Raja Petra’s views and offer the Malaysian government’s official take, to the viewers?
That way a balanced and fair opinion is given, by both sides of the political divide.
Since when was the BBC afraid of legal threats? Is this not a massive hint that there is a big story lurking somewhere? Isn’t the BBC eager to be the first, with the expose? Is it not eager to get to the bottom of the truth?
The United Kingdom government is aware that its arms industry is riddled with corruption. Previous governments are alleged to have concealed, and continues to conceal this, from both the parliament and the public.
It is possible that the reasons for the climbdown are not political but are purely economic.
Maybe the pressure was not from the Malaysian government but from the British government.
Perhaps, any excuse to not ruffle Malaysian government feathers, means the British government can have a smooth ride to support its arms sales. And don't we all know how lucrative these are.
Deal? Or no deal?
written by Awang Hitam, September 02, 2010 20:12:13
Brits are corrupt to the core too and um00nooo melayus also learnt that threat!
Never mid. We have CNN and Larry King is BETTER than BBC Handtalk?
Need someone to arrange RPK to be on Larry King and see who is more Hardon, I mean Hardtalk!
-
- +0
-
-
written by bloodhound, September 02, 2010 18:36:22
The truth is out there and responsible individuals in the know must reveal/expose any big stories still lurking in the dark. We must never allow cover-ups to escape exposures for the simple fact that if such activities are allowed to flourish, then, the only ones who will suffer in the end are the people themselves.
Reveal all to protect everyone - keep the bastards honest!
-
- +0
-
-
written by bloodhound, September 02, 2010 18:25:38
Move over BBC! If you guys are afraid to handle the truth and are not willing to do the necessary homework, then, you guys/gals do not deserve to be the beacon of hope for freedom of information and freedom of expression.
It's no use just talking and spinning about freedom when you do not walk your talk!
A HUGH disappointment and a sad day for justice and hope.
News will travel fast and wide...... and reputations will be downgraded, hopefully, not lost!
-
- +0
-
-
written by SayaAnakMsia SAM, August 31, 2010 23:22:55
One that contains basic things like the right to life, young international models, submarines and commissions, C4 ....
Then the issue is no longer one of freedom of expression but one of the risk of defamation and BBC cannot put itself in that position? I am NOT supporting / agreeing with their decision by the way.
The value of EPF's contributions should not be under-estimated as well in a country that is buckling under economic pressure.
I personally think that RPK should be interviewed and that this should be YouTubed in stages ... after all, it's free, easy to follow and easy to pass on.
What say you RPK? Don't let just one international news network put a damper on what you have to say.
-
- +3
-
-
written by anon, August 31, 2010 23:08:13
Then why have Hyde Park' corner where anyone can say anything. Perhaps Pete should have gone there to speak and Al Jazeera would have covered it.
I believe UMNO threatened them never to buy their fancy fighter planes ....so sophisticated that when they bought a fleet and the local Top Guns flew then straight into the paddy fields they changed to less sophisticated ones....British made of course.
On that point, why on earth does this country buy fighter planes, subs and whatnot....heck, even Singapore will take this country if they went to war. What a waste of the tax-payers money. Ahh, but many will be overnight billionaires.
-
- +3
-
-
written by Citizen Watch, August 31, 2010 18:56:12
The British government appears to be held by the balls by BN as they still has to account for the unresolved tragedy of Batang Kali Massacre. It occurred in a village in central Selangor on Dec 12, 1948, when 14 members of the Scots Guards were alleged to have killed 24 unarmed ethnic Chinese and set fire to their village on a rubber plantation. "The massacre remained largely forgotten until a British newspaper in 1970 ran an explosive account of the killings, publishing sworn affidavits by several soldiers involved who admitted the villagers were shot in cold blood" - Telegraph. Could there had been a deal struck between past BN leaders with the British government to keep this under wraps?
Both sides of the government seem to be dragging their feet in this heinous crime. A case of you scratch my back and I scratch your back. Can it be the bargaining chip BN government has with the British government , among other things.? Hence, Pete, you will never see the studio lights of Hardtalk.
The massacre is reminiscent of My Lai Massacre in Vietnam and No Gun Ri Massacre during the Korean War, both atrocities committed by American forces creating public relations disasters for the US government.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/malaysia/5243530/Britain-considers-holding-Malaya-massacre-inquiry.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/60-years-on-malaya-massacre-by-british-troops-to-be-investigated-1676406.html
-
- +2
-
-
written by rocky, August 31, 2010 14:23:51
written by jayenjr, August 31, 2010 12:53:36
Maybe this will help to explain things....
EPF to invest RM4.88bil in UK properties - The Star
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news...=business
guys here is the answer. our money being used to shut BBC's mouth. British guys have no soul. Conservative led govt what to do. see how fast UMNO used our money. but RPK you know your price is 1bil pound, not bad. Highest in the world I must say to prevent an interview.
-
- +12
-
-
written by jayenjr, August 31, 2010 12:53:36
EPF to invest RM4.88bil in UK properties - The Star
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news...=business
-
- +15
-
-
written by eskay, August 31, 2010 10:54:06
, afraid of something may accidentally leak out.... pressure fr British government, not Malaysian government.... hmmmmm
-
- +16
-
-
written by Alice, August 31, 2010 10:49:09
-
- +21
-
-
written by Alice, August 31, 2010 10:47:20
-
- +21
-
-
written by a guest, August 31, 2010 09:51:43
-
- +18
-
-
written by NSTPravda, August 31, 2010 09:01:35
-
- +17
-
-
written by Atheist, August 31, 2010 08:32:11
This is the white legacy now ..... no better than the rest of us that they criticize and condemn!!!!!!
-
- +15
-
-
written by educationist, August 31, 2010 08:07:47
We'll probably never know the real reasons.
But Mariam's analysis is much more probable than that Fatimah's assertation that the whole episode has been cooked up by RPK!!
-
- +22
-
-
written by malaysianforever, August 31, 2010 06:38:10
Yes, MIRIAM, you are right
-
- +42
-
-
written by Divine, August 31, 2010 06:25:40
-
- +28
-
-
written by Sangkapura, August 31, 2010 05:31:32
-
- +26
-
-
written by sonofmalaysia, August 31, 2010 04:14:06
-
- +50
-
-
written by Semuaok, August 31, 2010 02:33:21
Until you have something conclusive, there is no reason to go against Hardtalk.
We are suck a big crying baby.
-
- -36
-
-
written by casper, August 31, 2010 02:27:23
After all that has been said and done, let me take the opportunity to show a more caring side on MT and on behalf of all members, please take a moment to reflect on the deeds of one Fathimah Zuri and please offer some (goods) thoughts or better yet, PRAY for the well being of the poor bloke, unfortunate enough to have to share his life Fathimah.
Never never, ever accuse members of MT for being uncaring Fathimah.
-
- +40
-
-
written by Angela Ooi, August 31, 2010 02:13:50
-
- +34
-
-
written by Motherchell, August 31, 2010 02:02:02
BBC didn't realize they sold their Queen for a song to the despots in Bolehland
Conversely what BBC has proved by giving all these lame excuses is--- WHAT RPK HAS SPOKEN IS THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!! In many ways they were caught with their pants down to our advantage!
When an UMNO pay rolled stool pigeon blogger from the backwaters of New York sunk low with the hit we gave Rais. He is now lifting himself up with a new mode change after his last. Maybe this is for the Merdeka specials with Fathimah's concerto!! Just watch him for the next 24 hrs!
-
- +76
-
-
written by a guest, August 31, 2010 01:59:47
Without doubt.
-
- +52
-
-
written by emastulen, August 31, 2010 01:48:48
-
- +48
-
-
written by Oscar Winner, August 31, 2010 01:37:34
1. Najis has been threatened, and will now be a pawn to the British govt
2. Razak Baginda threatened to pull out from Oxford
3. Razak Baginda promised to share part of the 500mil commission with Ms Osborne
4. Fat Mama threatened not to ever shop in London again
5. Our real First Lady and dowager rules over the British Palace
6. Prince Charles has been invited by Fat Mama aka First Lady to visit Malaysia. BBC was told not to jeopardise his chances for a hug and a kiss and Datukship
7. AG theatened legal action while IGP threatened fabrication
My guess is all of the above. Don't play play!!
-
- +48
-
-
written by Rozlan, August 31, 2010 00:56:57
-
- +66
-
-
written by rocky, August 31, 2010 00:29:14
-
- +94
-
-
Previous Awards 2007 - UK Newcomer of the Year - http://www.publicaffairsnews.c...usawards07
Previous Awards 2007 - Public Affairs News
The winners were announced at the Public Affairs News Awards 2007 on 5 July at the .... Asia and the US has further marked a turning point...
www.publicaffairsnews.com/panawards/previousawards07 - Cached - Similar
Blair War Clique Runs
Anti-LaRouche Slander Drive
http://www.schillerinstitute.org/exon/media_locusts.html
by Anton Chaitkin April 2007
".....they reacted with fury. BBC's intelligence source against the liars, government weapons scientist David Kelly, died suddenly, a supposed suicide. They neutered BBC—Britain's national public network, purged BBC's leaders and acted to crush all media opposition.
.....a case which was cooked up during Spring, 2003, when LaRouche addressed Great Britain over BBC..." Unquote.
You be the judge.
Cheers.